Abacus - a large slab placed above the column capital to support the architrave or an arch placed above it. Akroterion - a decorative piece added to the roof of a temple at the apex and corners, usually made of clay or bronze and often in the form of a palm or statue, for example of Nike. Adyton - the most sacred inner part... [continue reading]

The Arch of Alexander Severus is a Roman triumphal arch located in Dougga Tunisia (ancient Thugga). The arch was built in 228 CE, in gratitude to the emperor for his beneficence towards the city. It functioned as one of the city gates, at the end of a road linking to the road between Carthage and Tébessa.

The Triumphal Arch known as the Arch of Augustus in Aosta, northern Italy. The arch was erected in the reign of Augustus in 25 BCE to honour the emperor and his victory over the Salssi. The central iron crucifix and roof are more modern additions.

The north side of the Arch of Constantine I in Rome. Dedicated in 315 CE, the triumphal arch celebrates the emperor's victory over the Roman tyrant Maxentius in 312 CE. It is the largest surviving triumphal arch and the last great Imperial Roman monument.

The south side of the Arch of Constantine I in Rome. Dedicated in 315 CE, the triumphal arch celebrates the emperor's victory over the Roman tyrant Maxentius in 312 CE. It is the largest surviving triumphal arch and the last great Imperial Roman monument.

The arch known as the Arco dei Gavi, Verona, Italy. Set up in the 1st century CE the arch glorfied the powerful Gavi family. Typically, arches commemorated military triumphs and statesmen but this is a rare example of such a structure commemorating a private family. Situated to mark the beginning of the Via Sacra, the arch once had family statues in its niches... [continue reading]

The Arch of Janus, erected in the 4th century CE, stands in the forum Boarium of Rome and was most probably set up as a boundary-marker rather than a commemorative triumphal arch. The four-way marble arch stands over the Cloaca Maxima or Great Drain which ran down to the river Tiber. The monument presents an imposing squat block of masonry... [continue reading]